Protective Enclosure for Electronic Device

• US 20110157800A1
• Filed: 03/08/2011
• Published: 06/30/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alan Morine, Brian P. Thomas, Curtis R. Richardson, Jamie Lee Johnson, Jason Michael Thompson
• Original Assignee: Alan Morine, Brian P. Thomas, Curtis R. Richardson, Jamie Lee Johnson, Jason Michael Thompson
• Inventors: Johnson, Jamie Lee, Morine, Alan, Thomas, Brian, Richardson, Curtis R., Thompson, Jason Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,395,894 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/679.01
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 11/00 Receptacles for purposes not provided for in groups A45C1/00-A45C9/00 specially adapted for toiletry or cosmetic equipment A45D29/20, A45D44/18; travelling sewing kits A45F3/48
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 13/002 Protective covers
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/001 for portable audio devices, e.g. headphones or MP3-players
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/002 for portable handheld communication devices, e.g. mobile phone, pager, beeper, PDA, smart phone
• CPC Class Codes: A45C 2011/003 for portable computing devices, e.g. laptop, tablet, netbook, game boy, navigation system, calculator
• CPC Class Codes: A45F 5/00 Holders or carriers for hand articles; Holders or carriers for use while travelling or camping
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3888 Arrangements for carrying or protecting transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0249 Details of the mechanical connection between the housing parts or relating to the method of assembly
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/18 Telephone sets specially adapted for use in ships, mines, or other places exposed to adverse environment H04M1/19 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0004 comprising several parts forming a closed casing
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0013 assembled by resilient members
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0017 with operator interface units
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0086 portable, e.g. battery operated apparatus casings for switching devices H01H9/02
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/0221 Locks; Latches
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/023 Handles; Grips
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/03 Covers
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 5/068 having a pressure compensation device, e.g. membrane venting means H05K5/0213
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

Disclosed is a three-layer protective enclosure that provides resistance to water, dust, dirt, and bump protection for sensitive computers. In one embodiment, an inner membrane layer is provided, which is a thin, flexible layer that protects portions of a computer and allows the user to interact with keyboards, push buttons and other interactive features of the computer. A protective hard shell fits tightly over the membrane and provides additional sealing and rigidity to the protective enclosure. A stretchable cushion layer is placed over the hard shell which conforms to the hard shell and seals moisture, dust and dirt from entering the hard shell. The stretchable cushion layer provides cushioning and also allows access to certain controls on the computer. In another embodiment, a touch screen cover may be used with, or without, a membrane over other portions of the computer.

Claims

1. A protective enclosure for an electronic device comprising:

a hard shell cover that covers said electronic device; and

a stretchable cushion layer that covers at least a portion of said hard shell cover.